THE NEWSLETTER OF

THE FREE CHURCH

(UNITED REFORMED)

SAINT IVES

www.stivesfreechurch.org

I n

s p

i r

e

April 2017

Inside APRIL Inspire

Inspire Editorial Team

Month Editor Mary Anthony 469530 Val Bush 469189 Christine Curtis 350787 Keith Cakebread 462726

Copy preferably by email please to office@stivesfreechurch.org

Alleluia, alleluia, Jesus, risen Lord of life!

Word of the Father Hope of the world Broken and buried

Risen to life

Jesus Christ!

Light of the nations Way, Truth and Life Bearing our sorrow

With us through time

Jesus Christ!

Living among us Word in our flesh Servant of others Friend of the poor

Jesus Christ!

Page 1 Alleluia

Page 2 View from the Manse

Page 3 The Human Journey Easter Worship SOS Auction

Page 4 Safeguarding Article Easter Monday Snack Bar

Page 5 From our Church Secretary MND Walk

Page 6 Save our Spire events

Page 7 Save our Spire events

Page 8 Eco Group visit to Amey Recycling

Page 9 Eco Group visit to Amey Recycling Mothering Sunday

Page 10 Exhibition of Users Easter Blessing

Page 11 Community Activities Church Activities Dates for your Diaries Wave of Prayer Answers to Quiz

Page 12 Contacts St Ives Worship Fenstanton Worship

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View from the Manse

Spring has sprung and the birds are singing! The weather is warmer and the plants and trees are coming to life. What a wonderful time of year bringing a smile to our lips and lifting our spirits. Yet it comes gradually and with some days of rain and chill winds before full warmth and sunshine. In the Church, we continue our journey through Lent through Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday leading toward Easter Sunday on the 16th. This year we are hosting the Methodists for the Maundy Thursday service at 7 pm, so do put this in your diaries. The Churches Together in St Ives are once again holding a Good Friday walk of Witness starting at Crossways leaving at 11.15 am to come into town for an outdoor service at 12 noon. It is being led by Jason Street from the St Ives Christian Fellowship. Each year there seems to be a larger number of people who take part – let’s hope that even more join in this year. It is marvellous that through Churches Together in St Ives we as Christians from the different churches in our town can be a witness to God’s love shown in Christ Jesus. We may have different traditions, styles of worship and different emphases in our theology but we all serve the same Lord. This same Lord gave his life to bring salvation for the world. We celebrate together the joy of the resurrection of our Lord and his victory over sin and death. This is such an important message of hope in our world, where there seems to be tension and conflict, insecurity and political uncertainty.

Suddenly the sun came out from grey and heavy clouds in a moment, the light swept over the houses and church

all were transformed

Suddenly the Son broke out from the darkness of the tomb in a moment, his light swept

over distressed woman and a disturbed world and all were transformed!

David Adam Here comes the sun! and Here comes the Son! Let us be filled with hope and joy in the knowledge of God’s presence that transforms poverty to prosperity, hatred to love and death to new life in Him. Easter Blessings, Catherine

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The Human Journey course, led by Christine Macleod, proved to be popular with eight to ten participants attending each session. We followed a study guide produced by the Christian Medical Fellowship, based on the belief that God's word contains timeless wisdom to help us think about our own health and the health of those around us.

A short video introduced each topic including relevant biblical texts. Christine then expanded on this often with examples drawn from her own working life. Leading us with a light touch and some humour, Christine enabled us all to contribute whilst feeling secure discussing some sensitive topics such as mental health and end of life. Lively discussion often ensued in part due to the rather conservative theology presented in the video! So thank you Christine for encouraging us all to participate. Everyone enjoyed the course and gained something from it. Barbara and Jackie

Easter Worship at The Free Church

Palm Sunday 11am 9th April

Maundy Thursday 7pm on 13th April

United service with St Ives Methodist Church at the Free Church

Led by Rev Dr Catherine Ball

Good Friday Procession of Witness

on 14th April Departs Crossways at 11.15am Service on Market Hill at 12.00

midday Led by Jason Street

Followed by lunch in the Free Church

Easter Sunday Holy Communion service at 11am

16th April

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Safeguarding article At our March elders meeting we adopted the updated safeguarding policy for children and vulnerable adults. Our church safeguarding co-ordinator from January 2017 is the church secretary – Dr Christine Macleod, and the Deputy Church Safeguarding Co-ordinator is Joey Dyke. You will find posters with their contact details around the church building. The contact details for Christine Macleod are ChurchSecretary@stivesfreechurch.org and telephone number 01480 465921. The contact details for Joey Dyke are jo.dyke@ntlworld.com and telephone number 01480 380309 A copy of the updated policy is held in the church office, and will be put onto our church website. We will also be sharing the policy with groups that hire our church building, asking that they operate under the church safeguarding policy. We submitted our annual safeguarding return to the Synod in February, providing assurance that DBS checks are carried out on staff and volunteers who are working unsupervised with children. This year the synod safeguarding lead – Nicola Grieves, will come to our church to run training sessions on safeguarding for our eleven staff and serving elders and the tots and carers supervisors. We would also like to encourage those who do regular pastoral visiting to come to the training sessions. There will be a safeguarding session lasting two hours on children and another lasting two hours on vulnerable adults safeguarding. Nicola will repeat each session to allow people to have a choice of a daytime or evening training session. We will publicise the dates for these local training sessions soon. The courses will include how we assess risk and when to contact the Local Authority Designated Officer LADO@cambridgeshire.gov.uk with concerns. The United Reformed Church Past Case Review is still open. There is an open invitation to anyone to raise concerns about the behaviour or conduct of anyone affiliated with the United Reformed Church since its formation in 1972. They will respect your confidentiality. The telephone number is 020 7916 8682 or email pastcase.review@urc.org,uk. There is more information on the national website at www.urc.org.uk/past-case-review. Christine Macleod Church Secretary March 2017

Easter Monday Snack Bar

17th April

Help needed with serving, washing up, making sandwiches etc. If you are able to join us please sign up on the list on the table at the top of the stairs. Come all day, half a day, 1 hour, 2 hours — however much time you can spare.

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From our Church Secretary Easter Greetings to all our readers. Easter leads us to appreciate new life and new beginnings. We see signs of new life around us from young plants breaking through the soil, to birds nesting and lambs skipping in the meadows. The weather is kinder and the sun stays out longer, helping us to feel more positive. The Easter synod took place in Bishop’s Stortford on 18th March. We heard Revd Tim Yau reflecting on pioneer ministry where he described new pilots for outreach. Some were similar to new initiatives like 'Our Church in the Marketplace' in St Ives, while others were in novel settings such as car boot sales. The Save Our Spire (SOS) appeal has taken many of us on a journey into new settings to share our Christian faith and our church activities. In the coming months and beyond the United Reformed Church (URC) wants to place a particular emphasis on discipleship and mission, under the banner 'Walking the Way - living the life of Jesus today'. On the journey of faith, we are always encouraged to take the next step as we walk along the way of discipleship. I was asked to take part in a presentation about 'Walking the Way' and learned that this plans to support us on our journey of faith and to encourage us to take our next steps as followers of the way. Several resources are to follow. For example, September will see the publication of 'Holy Habits', a course produced by the URC and the Methodist Churches to explore ten holy habits mentioned in Acts. Watch out for new steps in the life and witness of our church in this month's Inspire. There is the church fellowship walk on 1 April. The Good Friday procession of witness from Crossways from 11.15am on 14th April. There are concerts and performances to contribute to SOS. Then the preparation for Christian Aid week beginning on 14th May. Let's encourage one another to keep active in the life and work of our church. Christine Macleod. Church Secretary

Date for your Diary - MND Walk

Just to let you know a walk (or cycle) is being organised by Veronica Angus at Grafham Water on Saturday 29th April.

Web site - www.anglianwater.co.uk/leisure/water-parks/grafham/

It would be good if you could join us, this walk is with the Motor Neurone Disease (MND), with which Veronica is involved.

Web site is www.mndassociation.org/what-is-mnd

Please let Veronica know if you can come (veronica.angus@talktalk.net) and for further information.

Thanks Hilary

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Lunchtime Concert - Friday 17th February A programme of music for clarinet and piano was performed. Beverley Budd played the clarinet and was accompanied by Jayne South on the piano. The audience enjoyed a wide range of compositions including from Saint Saens, Debussy and Andre Messager. Light refreshments were served by Mavis and Veronica. There was a good turn out and the audience included

several children on half term holiday. Some are keen on music careers and this served to inspire them. Beverley and Jayne met when students at Trinity College of Music, London. After losing touch and pursuing separate careers they met by chance again recently and have had a lot of fun working through the clarinet repertoire. Beverley and Jayne were delighted to play on behalf of the Save Our Spire Appeal. We are very grateful for their contribution.

Phoenix Players Lunchtime Concert Friday 10th March A short programme of music in aid of the Save Our Spire Appeal was enjoyed by 45

people. Beverley Budd playing the clarinet was accompanied by a string quartet. This comprised Naomi Laredo and Ruth Burrows on violin, Simon Watkin on viola and Felicity Wrenwood on cello. They played a range of music from Brahms, Holbrooke and Meyerbeer. The audience was spellbound throughout making this a very relaxing way to spend Friday lunchtime. The musicians, who gave their time freely, were presented with Easter Eggs. Future concert dates have been reserved in people’s diaries. The Free Church thanked Phoenix Players for their help with the spire restoration appeal. Donations were gratefully received from the audience.

Please look out for the next lunchtime concerts in the series, shown on the noticeboard outside of the church. And on page 7 opposite.

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Presentation of Cheque from Waitrose

Waitrose St Ives Staff presented Nev Runham with a cheque

for £214 from their Community Matters initiative on 2nd

March. This was based on the green token scheme where

shoppers chose which charity should receive funding.

We would like to thank Waitrose for this funding for the

much-needed repairs to our church spire. This is a valued donation for all in the town and villages around who enjoy views of the spire.

Next Events

By the time you are reading Inspire the total raised will have exceeded £8,000

For more details about any event please contact the Church Office or

nevrunham@btinternet.com

7th April Lunchtime Concert Cello and Piano , Donations, Refreshments

2nd June Lunchtime Concert String Trio, Donations, Refreshments

20th May Auction of Promises/ Talents/ Good Quality Items Please give this event some consideration as all have talents or skills to offer. Bargains may be available too, such as binding or even publishing a book! Please contact Veronica or Sally.

10th June Tapestry and Welsh Male Voice Choir concert. Tickets will be available from Just Sharing

9th July Garden Party – in preparation

9th September Corona Brass Concert – in preparation

10th September Cambridge Historic Churches Trust Ride and Stride event

28th September Fashion Show with Edinburgh Woollen Mill

14th October Table Top Sale in the Corn Exchange – contact Sally

Late October Quiz at the Free Church

November Cake Stall

December Cake Stall

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What a Load of Rubbish

Eco-church has bin recycled

On a sunny morning in March, 16 eco warriors from St Ives Free Church descended on Amey Recycling near Waterbeach. The first thing to hit us was the smell, which stayed with us long after our departure. Jon, from Amey led us on our two-hour experience, which included hands on sorting and some amusing videos. We had our own mini-bus to take us around the main features of the site. The sheer scale of it all amazed us: the extent of the landfill, the miles of conveyor belts, and the amount of technology involved, not to mention the time it takes for all the rubbish to breakdown. I could go on.

We had a communal lunch to recover and discuss what we had seen. Some of the comments that came out of that were: “I was shocked by the amount of rubbish we produce”, “amazed that amongst all this machinery and technology there is still such a big role for humans– there are 150 people employed there.”, “only bottle glass can be recycled”, “I was surprised that only about 50% of our rubbish can be recycled”, ”staggered by the extraordinary things that some people put in their bins”, “how valuable the aluminium cans are! One bale is worth £750 – that does contain 350,000 cans mind”,” If in doubt leave it out”

All our green bin waste is recycled at very high temperatures into soil improver and there is no charge for any one to go there and shovel some into the back of their car. So what were the eco warriors doing at the tip? The group has put a lot of effort into improving our recycling in the Free Church. We wanted to see for ourselves what happened to our recycling and to have the knowledge to be able to share our conviction that recycling is one way that we can help to care for God’s earth.

To share some of the info we picked up that morning I have put the quiz we did at the end of this article. No prizes for getting it all right. The answers are on page Mary Cox

Quiz 1. How much waste do UK homes throw out each year? A) 3 million tons B) 10 million tons C) 30 million tons D) 60 million tons 2. How many plastic bottles does the UK use each day? A) I million B) 5 million C) 20 million D) 15 million

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Quiz …...Cont’d 3. How many tonnes of household waste goes to landfill in the UK each year? A) 18 million B) 10 million C) 5 million D) 30 million 4. How many nappies does a child use in a lifetime? A) 1000 B) 2000 C) 4000 D) 6000 5. If everyone in the UK reduced the amount of paper they used by 10% how many trees would be

saved? A) Half a million B) 1 million C) 3 million D) 5 million 6. True or False? Glass can be recycled over and over again? Answers on page 11

Mothering Sunday Service

We welcomed the family and friends of

Jacob Park to our Mothering Sunday

service for his baptism. A large

congregation of adults and children

enjoyed making craft items whilst

listening to readings, a video and a

talk about The Feeding of

the 5000. Refreshments

were served throughout

the service.

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Exhibition of Groups Using the Free Church Saturday 24th June 2017 10am-4pm

A small group of us are arranging the above with the objective of increasing awareness in our locality, to those who use our building, for whatever purpose, and those who don’t, of the range of activities that take place within the church building. We have had a very positive initial response from the groups we have approached and are offering all a stand in the form of a table to each group to advertise what they do and to recruit new members, if appropriate. It is also hoped that the church as a whole and various church groups will also take this opportunity to publicize what we as a church and church building can offer too. The aim is for each group to encourage as many of their members to attend as possible as well as friends and family. We will also be advertising outside the building and doing additional publicity beforehand. It has already become clear than many of the groups who meet, have no idea of the range of others who also use the building some of whom which may well be of interest to a number of their members. The overall aim is to encourage a greater use of the building, increase the number of people coming through and with that our opportunity both to increase the awareness of the worshiping community and possibly income from rental. For example, someone who attends the RSPB meetings may also be interested in the photographic or gardening clubs or the U3A meetings that take place etc. It may prompt someone to wish to rent a room for another group or to come along to chapel prayers, a discussion group or Sunday worship. The team have all found out more than we knew about building use just from starting down this route and compiling a list of users to invite to take part in the exhibition. We would very much like everyone to attend if they can and to encourage others to as well. Support, particularly for welcoming visitors on the day and for ensuring the church related activities are as well represented as possible, would be much appreciated. So please do contact any of us if you would like to know more or offer to help on the day. Sandy, Irene, Joey and Babs

Easter Blessing

How beautiful is the blossom spilling from the tree, the hidden promise and the bluebell ringing out the news. He is risen He is alive we shall live for evermore.

The dark winter is past, the slow, cold, foggy days are over. May the warmth of your resurrection touch our hearts and minds as the warmth of the sun blesses our bodies.

Kate McIlhagga

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Community Activities

Mondays

10:00 CRUSE

Tuesdays

19:30 St Ives Photographic Club

Wednes-days

11:00 14:00

U3A Current Affairs Senior Citizens Club

Thursdays

09:30 Sunny Steps

Thursdays 10:00 U3A Italian Class

Sat 1st Apr

09:30 - 16:00

Saints Crafters Fair

Thu 6th Apr

19:30 WI

Mon 10th Apr

12:00 U3A French Class

Tue 18th Apr

10:00 Alzheimer's Support Drop In Cafe

Wed 19th Apr

19:30 St Ives Gardening Club

Fri 21st Apr

09:00 – 13:00 19:30

U3A Local History Class St Ives Civic Society

Wed 26th Apr

19:30 RSPB

Thu 4th May

19:30 WI

Sat 6th May

09:30 - 16:00

Saints Crafters Fair

Church Activities

Mondays 19:00 Bowls Club

Wednes-days

10:00 - 11:30

Tots & Carers

Fri 7th Apr

13:10 Lunchtime Concert - Cello and Piano with Felicity Wrenwood and Brian Lodde

Tue 11th Apr

14:30 Meditation led by John Williams at Fenstanton

Fri 14th Apr

11:00 CTSI Walk of Witness, service, lunch with Revd Derek Newton

Wed 26th Apr

19:45 Poetry Group

A Global Wave of Prayer 25th May - 4th June

All Saints Church St Ives Whether you are new to prayer, a lifelong Christian, uncertain about faith, or just wanting to find out more, we hope you will find here something to help you make sense of life and the questions it poses, learn from the experiences of others, and share your own stories. We are offering talks, displays, interactive sessions for all ages, space for you to sit and find peace, as well as services in a variety of styles. Most of the events will be taking place at All

Saints Church but for more detailed information visit our website

www.stivesparishchurch.org.uk or email office@stivesparishchurch.org.uk

Some Dates for your Diaries

Christian Aid week starts on 14th May

National URC Big Day Out in Warwick castle on 20th May

Eastern Synod Big Day Out at Trinity Park Ipswich

on 10th June and car share

Fenstanton evening service on 11th June

Church weekend away at Launde Abbey on 16th June

Answers to Amey Quiz on pages 8 & 9

1. C 2. D 3. A

4. D 5. D 6. True

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Printed & published by The Free Church (United Reformed) St Ives, Market Hill, St Ives, Cambs. PE27 5AL E-mail office@stivesfreechurch.org Tel 01480 468535

Contacts

Minister Revd Dr. Catherine Ball 352058 Mobile: 07714 081930 Church Secretary Christine Macleod 465921 churchsecretary@stivesfreechurch.org Associate Church Secretary Andy Fleming 468055 Communications & Media Convenor Peter Davies 495835 Webmaster alan@stivesfreechurch.org Finance Convenor Peter German 352401 Freewill Offering Treasurer David Duffett 395308 Resident Musician Brian Lodde 354647 Flower Convenor Margaret Cakebread 462726 Eco Group Convenor Mary Cox 300103 Chapel Prayer Coordinator Gerry Swain 468053 Just Sharing Manager Sue Billings 496570 Asst Manager Rosemarie Smith justsharing@stivesfreechurch.org Church Office 468535 office@stivesfreechurch.org Open 9am - 1pm Monday to Friday Room Bookings should be made through the Church Office

Free Church Worship

Chapel Prayers Daily at 10 am Monday to Saturday

Sun 2nd Apr

11:00 Revd Dr Catherine Ball Holy Communion

Sun 9th Apr

11:00 18:00

Revd Roy Muttram Palm Sunday Joint Evening Service at Fenstanton URC Dr Christine Macleod

Thu 13th Apr

19:00 Revd Dr Catherine Ball Maundy Thursday with Methodists

Sun 16th Apr

11:00 Revd Dr Catherine Ball Holy Communion Easter Day

Sun 23rd Apr

11:00 Keith Cakebread

Sun 30th Apr

11:00 Revd Dr Catherine Ball Café Style

Sun 7th May

11:00 Revd Dr Catherine Ball Holy Communion

Fenstanton Worship

Sun 2nd Apr

9:30 Revd Derek Newton

Sun 9th Apr

9:30 18:00

Revd Dr Catherine Ball Holy Communion Dr Christine Macleod Joint service with St Ives

Sun 16th Apr

9:30 Revd Dr Catherine Ball Holy Communion - Easter Day

Sun 23rd Apr

9:30 Keith Cakebread

Sun 30th Apr

9:30 Revd Roy Muttram

Sun 7th May

9:30 Revd Derek Newton